Background on Bloggers: Beth

During the months of March - November, if you ask me what I am doing, I'll probably tell you about a recent bicycle or motorcycle ride/trip. Or, I may tell you a bit about my work as Lead Catalog Librarian at Appalachian State University.

The topic of my dissertation on sustainability of international library development in Africa may come up.

I'll definitely tell you about my wonderful family: Ian, my son; Emma, my daughter; or my riding/librarian/life partner, John.

I have been riding bicycles for 44 years, been a librarian for 21 years, and been riding motorcycles for 16 years. I have bike toured through North Carolina, Colorado, Great Britain, France, and the Virginias, with shorter bike rides in Africa, Central America, and South America. I have ridden my motorcycle to Quebec City, Austin, Atlanta, and Charlottesville. Currently I own six bicycles but really only ride three of them- a Surly Long Haul Trucker; a low-end Giant road bike; and a 1985 Bridgestone T700 (my randonneur bike). As far as motorcycles, in the past I rode a Yamaha Virago 535; a 1989 BMW K750; and my current motorcycle, a 2009 BMW F650GS.

All of the above interests intersect. During many of my work-related travels, I have sought out opportunities to travel or venture out on two wheels. This blog will be my chance to record these events, to encourage others to get out on two wheels, and to hear from others that share similar interests.